Iran strongly condemned the Australian government’s recent decision to designate the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a "state sponsor of terrorism," calling it a politically motivated and unlawful act.

In an official statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry described the move as a “dangerous and criminal novelty” influenced by "Israel", aimed at diverting global attention from the ongoing situation in Gaza. The Ministry labeled the Australian action as “illegal, unjustifiable, and a violation of international legal norms protecting national sovereignty.”

The statement also criticized certain Australian politicians for supporting what it described as the “sinister policy” of the Israeli entity and spreading false narratives against Iran, stressing that the Australian government bears international responsibility for the consequences of its actions.

Highlighting the IRGC’s role as part of Iran’s official Armed Forces, the Ministry reaffirmed its contributions to defending the country’s sovereignty, national security, and combating terrorism, including operations against ISIL. Tehran reiterated its commitment to taking all necessary measures to protect the IRGC’s status and reputation against what it considers hostile labeling.

Australia proscribes IRGC

On November 27, 2025, the Australian government officially listed the IRGC under a newly passed law as a "state sponsor of terrorism," the first time a foreign state entity has received such a designation under Australia’s revised counterterrorism framework.

The decision followed an alleged finding by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) that the IRGC was behind two arson attacks, one on a kosher restaurant in Sydney in October 2024 and the other on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024.

To enable the designation, Parliament passed the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Act 2025, creating a new legal framework for listing foreign state entities as terrorists and criminalizing certain dealings with them. Under the new law, activities such as membership, recruitment, funding, training, or support linked to a listed entity carry penalties up to 25 years in prison.

The government, represented by ministers including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, described the step as a necessary deterrent to foreign‑sponsored terrorism, claiming the attacks targeted Jewish Australians and threatened social cohesion.